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Arts & Culture
09 April 2025

Indonesian Language Initiative Enriches Vocabulary And Gaming

New terms and gaming accessibility highlight the evolution of Bahasa Indonesia in the digital age.

In a significant move to promote the richness of the Indonesian language, the Indonesian Language Agency and language enthusiasts are advocating for the use of Indonesian equivalents for foreign terms. This initiative aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the national language, especially among writers, journalists, and translators.

As the digital age progresses, many foreign terms have infiltrated everyday language, often overshadowing native expressions. However, with the introduction of modern Indonesian equivalents, such as metaverse becoming metamesta and marketplace transforming into lokapasar, the local language is gaining a fresh and contemporary identity. Other terms like mouse are now referred to as tetikus, while online and offline have been adapted to daring and luring, respectively.

This language evolution is not limited to technological jargon. Everyday phrases are also being redefined; for instance, door prize is now hadiah lawang, and work from home is expressed as bekerja dari rumah (BdR). Social media expressions like idolize lover have been aptly translated to bucin, showcasing the adaptability of the Indonesian language.

The initiative is not merely about replacing foreign words with their Indonesian counterparts; it is a concerted effort to enrich the language and ensure it remains relevant and grounded amid globalization. A comprehensive list of 100 new Indonesian equivalents has been released, encouraging citizens to incorporate these terms into their writing, conversations, and creative content.

Some notable translations from the list include:

  • Metaverse: Metamesta
  • Marketplace: Lokapasar
  • Mouse: Tetikus
  • Netizen: Warganet
  • Online: Daring
  • Offline: Luring
  • Password: Kata Sandi
  • Podcast: Siniar
  • QR code: Kode Respons Cepat
  • Social climber: Pansos

By embracing these terms, Indonesians are taking pride in their language and ensuring that the younger generation remains connected to their linguistic heritage.

In a related development, the gaming industry is also witnessing a significant shift toward inclusivity and accessibility with the introduction of the Indonesian language in popular online games. Riot Games has announced that its flagship games, League of Legends (LoL) and Teamfight Tactics (TFT), now offer the option to play in Indonesian. This move, spearheaded by Resha Pradipta, the Country Manager for Riot Games Indonesia & Malaysia, aims to enhance the gaming experience for Indonesian players.

"The introduction of the Indonesian language in League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics will significantly improve our players' experience," Pradipta stated. She emphasized that having the game in their native language would help players better understand the game mechanics, strategies, and narratives, making the gameplay more engaging and competitive.

Players interested in switching to the Indonesian language can easily do so by navigating to the settings menu and selecting the language option. This feature has been highly anticipated by the gaming community, as players had long requested this addition.

To celebrate this milestone, Riot Games has collaborated with renowned Indonesian illustrator Tahilalats to create exclusive in-game content that resonates with local culture. Pradipta noted, "We understand that playing games is more enjoyable when players can connect with the game's ecosystem, including its storyline and interactions."

To access the Indonesian language setting, players must upgrade to update patch 15.7. This update is available not only for PC users but also for those playing Teamfight Tactics on mobile devices, ensuring that all gamers can enjoy the localized experience.

As the Indonesian language continues to evolve and adapt, both in literature and digital entertainment, it is evident that there is a growing movement to celebrate and preserve the national identity through language. The efforts of the Indonesian Language Agency and companies like Riot Games highlight the importance of language accessibility and cultural relevance in our increasingly interconnected world.

For those interested in exploring the new Indonesian terms, a complete list is available, showcasing how the language can keep pace with modern developments while remaining distinctly Indonesian. This initiative not only enriches the vocabulary but also instills a sense of pride among the youth in using their native language.

In conclusion, as Indonesia embraces both its linguistic heritage and modern influences, the integration of Indonesian language in various sectors, including gaming, represents a significant step towards cultural preservation and advancement.